Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, arrived in Tunis Sunday on an official good-will visit at the invitation of the Chamber of Advisers of Tunisia.

In his written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport, Jia said the Chinese and Tunisian peoples enjoy a long-term friendship although the two countries are far apart from each other.

He said Sino-Tunisian relations have progressed smoothly in recent years with expanding cooperation and remarkable results in such fields as politics, economy, trade, culture, education and health.

The two countries have also kept close communication and cooperation in international affairs, noted Jia.

During this visit, Jia is scheduled to meet with Tunisian leaders to discuss bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

He said he believes that under joint efforts, bilateral friendship and cooperation will step up a new stage. Tunisia is the first leg of Jia's visit to four African countries, which will also take him to Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya.